altogether different than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altogether different than" is not considered standard in written English; "altogether different from" is preferred.
You can use it when discussing how two things are not only different but completely so, though it's better to use the correct form. Example: "The new design is altogether different from the previous version, showcasing a fresh approach."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"What you are seeing today is an 89-year-old man that is altogether different than he was 35 years ago," Dr. Friedgood said.

The New York Times

"Using the tax code to stimulate investment is altogether different than appropriating money," he said.

Huffington Post

Perhaps, it's these very quirks that make the scan images something altogether different than photographic images.

Vice

However, it's apparent that the word scandal has become something altogether different than what it's been historically.

Huffington Post

What I started to hear from sons and daughters about their fathers was altogether different than what I had begun to call the "Momisms".

Huffington Post

Its thick, plastic strings are easier on his fingers than the metal strings of a guitar, and it's altogether different than his former instrument.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Like many restaurants, lunch was an altogether different experience than dinner, though many of the dishes here were repeats.

The New York Times

But in truth this was an affair of an altogether different genus than the family-values pol caught in a brothel or the homophobic pastor found to be conducting a same-sex affair.

The New Yorker

Can we please remember that credit means you owe something and you can get overly indebted?" He went on, "It is an altogether different thing than what we do.

The New Yorker

Thus the way is clear for Locke to assert that one and the same person may be resurrected even if that person comes to inhabit an altogether different body than any with which she was previously associated (II.xxvii.15).15

SEP

Loading Netscape.com in Mosaic back in the mid 90's would have been an altogether different experience than in today's "Chrome's and Firefox's" Fantastic prototype, which we hope he can keep running for a long time to come.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for the grammatically correct phrase "altogether different from" in formal writing to maintain clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "than" after "different"; the correct preposition is "from". "Than" is used for comparisons (e.g., "taller than"), while "from" indicates separation or distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altogether different than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It aims to emphasize a high degree of dissimilarity between two entities or concepts. Although used across various sources, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect, suggesting "altogether different from" as the standard form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "altogether different than" is used to emphasize a significant degree of difference, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI recommends using "altogether different from" instead. Although examples of its use can be found in news and media, adhering to correct grammar is essential in formal writing. For alternatives, consider "completely different from" or "entirely different from" for clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely different from

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the difference, emphasizing a total lack of similarity.

entirely different from

Stresses the thoroughness of the difference, indicating no overlap or shared characteristics.

totally different from

Highlights the complete divergence between two things, suggesting no resemblance.

distinct from

Emphasizes a clear and recognizable difference, often used in more formal contexts.

unlike

Provides a simple and direct way to express difference, suitable for various contexts.

bears no resemblance to

Highlights a lack of similarity in appearance or nature, suggesting a significant divergence.

a far cry from

Indicates a substantial difference, often with an element of disappointment or surprise.

poles apart from

Emphasizes a wide divergence, suggesting opposite ends of a spectrum.

at variance with

Highlights a state of disagreement or inconsistency, often used in formal or academic settings.

diverges significantly from

Focuses on the act of moving away from a standard or expectation, highlighting a notable deviation.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say something is not the same?

The correct phrasing is "different from", not "different than". For example, "This approach is different from the one we used last year." You can also use phrases like "distinct from" or "unlike".

Is "different than" ever acceptable?

While "different than" is sometimes used, especially in American English, "different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing. If you want to avoid the debate, use alternatives like "distinct from".

What can I say instead of "altogether different than"?

Use alternatives like "completely different from" or "entirely different from". These options are grammatically sound and convey the same meaning.

How do I use "different from" in a sentence?

You can use "different from" to compare two things that are not the same. For example, "My opinion is different from yours." or "The weather today is different from what I expected." Consider using distinct from for a more formal tone.